Amid security worries, millions of pilgrims are expected to descend on Rome for a Jubilee Year of major Catholic celebrations throughout 2025. Here are the highlights.

This significant event will be mirrored locally in Cincinnati, where Archbishop Dennis Schnurr is set to open the Jubilee Year.

Pope Francis made a visit on Thursday to one of the largest prison complexes in Italy, opening a special "Holy Door" for the 2025 Catholic Holy Year, in what the Vatican said was the first such action by a Catholic pontiff.

Pope Francis urged inmates to never give up hope as he inaugurated the Vatican’s Jubilee Year at the high-security Rebibbia prison on the outskirts of Rome on Thursday.

Continuing an ancient church tradition, Pope Francis on Christmas Eve officially opened the 2025 Jubilee — a year dedicated to the service of prisoners, poor people and victims of war. By the numbers: 32 million people are expected to make a pilgrimage to Rome during the celebration.

The pope opened the Jubilee Holy Doors praying that the Holy Spirit would soften hearts so that "enemies may speak to each other again."

Pope Francis kicked off the Jubilee this week, marking the start of the Holy Year in Italy as 32 million pilgrims are expected to travel to Rome this year.